Asthma is the difficulty in breathing caused by the constriction of the smooth muscles of the bronchioles. Asthma sufferers find it hard to breathe because the airways leading to the alveoli, tiny sacs within the lungs, become constricted. Asthma can be both acute and chronic. Acute asthma is triggered immediately by hyperreactivity to various stimuli, such as allergens or rapid change in air temperature. A person with acute asthma disease may breathe relatively normal in the intervals between the asthmatic attacks.
Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators provide instant relief from chest tightness and wheezing because they contain chemicals that relax the bronchiole walls. People with acute asthma disease normally carry an inhaler around with them. Theophylline is an oral bronchodilator that is taken on a daily basis. It is also used to relieve nocturnal asthma symptoms that significantly interfere with nighttime sleep, notes MayoClinic.com.
Short-Acting Beta Agonists
Short-acting beta agonists, also known as quick-relief medications, provide fast, temporary relief from acute asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath, by opening up lung airways. These medications usually take effect within minutes. Short-acting beta agonists, however, do not turn off the inflammation that causes swelling of the lining of bronchioles. Using an inhalation device like a nebulizer, short-acting beta agonists are delivered directly into the breathing tubes.
Inhaled Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids, a type of anti-inflammatory drug, are prescribed for people suffering from acute asthma attacks. They are the cornerstone of asthma therapy. Inhaled corticosteroids work by reducing swelling and relaxing air passages that become smaller due to a tightening of the muscles. In general, side effects are uncommon when corticosteroids are used for a short time. Side effects can include mouth and throat irritation and oral yeast infections, according to MayoClinic.com.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Asthma medications: Know you options
- "American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine": Acute Asthma in Children
- New Medical Information and Health Information (NMIHI): Asthma
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Treatment of acute exacerbation of asthma
- Palo Alto Medical Foundation: Short-Acting Beta Agonists
